Escalating unrest, thousands of Haitians protest demanding Prime Minister Henry's unconditional departure

Thousands of people took to the streets in the capital Port-au-Prince and many of Haiti's main cities, demanding Prime Minister Ariel Henry's unconditional departure.

Haiti is in a state of instability as there has not been a presidential election since 2016. (Source: AP)

It is expected that on February 7 (local time), Prime Minister Henry will end his term as previously agreed.

Some injured protesters accused Haitian national police of causing the situation by using tear gas to disperse the violent crowd.

At least five agents of Haiti's BSAP security brigade rebelled against the government after being banned from carrying weapons and ammunition and not allowed on the streets.

BSAP is a heavily armed force and the fact that these agents are on the opposition side has caused the number of protesters to increase exponentially.

Many people took to the streets to demand that Prime Minister Henry comply with Article 20 of the agreement signed on December 21, 2022, which stipulates the end of his term. He is the highest authority in Haiti after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on June 7, 2021.

He has pledged to hold elections, but none have been held and analysts fear this could worsen the country's crisis. Haiti's last presidential election was in 2016.

Legislative elections have also not been held, paralyzing the country's parliament . The opposition has declared a nationwide protest from February 7.

The opposition has announced a nationwide protest from February 7. Former Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe has also called for a revolution to overthrow the Prime Minister, in the context of Haiti's increasingly serious economic, political and social situation, the country is plunged into extreme poverty and violence.

Massive anti-government protests that erupted on February 5 left one Haitian dead and at least three injured. Schools remained closed on February 6 due to security concerns.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bat-on-leo-thang-hang-nghin-nguoi-haiti-bieu-tinh-yeu-cau-thu-tuong-henry-ra-di-vo-dieu-kien-260293.html